In this powerful episode of The Special Chronicles Podcast, host Daniel Smrokowski welcomes Matthew F. Gorski, Athlete Leader with Special Olympics Illinois, to talk about his incredible journey running the 2025 Chicago Marathon.

Matthew takes us behind the scenes of what it’s like to train for 26.2 miles — from early training runs and mental preparation to race day excitement and the unforgettable moment he crossed the finish line. He also shares how representing Special Olympics at the marathon embodies leadership, inclusion, and perseverance.

🔸 In This Episode:

• Matthew’s Special Olympics journey and love for running
• How he trained for the marathon
• Race day highlights and favorite moments
• Overcoming challenges and staying motivated
• What inclusion means to him as an Athlete Leader
• Future goals and advice for first-time marathoners

• 00:00:00 – Intro & Welcome
• 00:20:30 – Matthew’s Special Olympics Journey: “Inclusion Has No Limits”
• 00:41:30 – Training for the Marathon
• 00:57:00 – Motivation
• 01:05:45 – Future Goals & Advice
• 01:12:45 – Closing & Call To Action

📲Find Special Olympics Near You: specialolympics.org 🎧 Listen and follow this podcast at: SpecialChronicles.com/Pod 📺 Watch the full episode (video) on YouTube HERE ❤️ Support the mission of Special Chronicles by donating at SpecialChronicles.com/Give or joining the PLUS membership at SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS 👕 Shop our ‘Disabled Voices Matter’ merch: SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP 📱 Follow us on socials: @SpecialChronicles (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) 📰 Subscribe to the newsletter for early access, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes: SpecialChronicles.com/NEWSLETTER

Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission.

Daniel Smrokowski is an award-winning podcaster, columnist, and disability advocate who is best known as the founder and host of Special Chronicles, a groundbreaking podcast platform with over 800 episodes across 17 years. Through storytelling and journalism, Daniel is a recipient of the Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice for his efforts through media to give people with disabilities a voice. Read MORE about Daniel here.